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Should the UK follow Australia in bringing in a social media ban for under 16s? The government has announced a consultation on the issue and peers debate the question as the former Conservative schools minister Lord Nash has tabled an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. It would require social media platforms to stop children under 16 from using their platforms within a year of the Bill passing. Nuala McGovern discusses this with Hannah Ortel from the Brianna Ghey Legacy Proj...
We are a year into US President Trump's second term. He says he will tell European leaders "we have to have" Greenland at this week's forum in Davos, Switzerland and impose tariffs if they oppose him. Trump regularly hailed himself as the anti-war president on the campaign trail - and he's described himself since as the "president of peace" - but there are some who accuse him of waging a "war on women" since taking office. So, after a year back in the White House, how have the policies of Presid...
The episode explores a groundbreaking DNA test offering new hope for secondary breast cancer patients by predicting treatment response earlier. It features an insightful interview with Grammy-winning artist Andra Day, discussing her new film and musical journey. The program also examines a significant employment tribunal ruling on shared changing facilities and the complex role of a SEND caseworker, alongside a discussion on socially conscious marketing and its impact on brand representation and consumer engagement, notably with products like Autistic Barbie.
Woman's Hour delves into critical topics, starting with new government guidance on screen time for under-fives and the impact on child development. It features an interview with Nikki Lilly, a BAFTA and Emmy winner, who shares her inspiring story of living with AVM and using social media for advocacy. The discussion then turns to "The Traitors" and how reality TV highlights unconscious biases, including racism, misogyny, and ageism. Finally, the episode examines why some millennial women enter and stay in "subpar" relationships.
The number of abortions recorded in England and Wales has reached a record high, according to the latest government figures from the Department of Health. There were 277,970 abortions in 2023, the highest number since the Abortion Act was introduced in 1967 - which is 11 per cent higher than the previous year in 2022. Rachael Clarke is Head of Advocacy for the British Pregnancy Advisory Service - known as B-PAS, and tells Anita Rani about the findings. In 2025 alone she walked at Paris Fashion W...
To track or not to track? Now that technology on our phones makes it so easy, many parents are tracking their children’s whereabouts. If children don’t have a smart phone, many people use a GPS tracker device do to the same thing. There are even children’s trainers available with a special slot to insert the device. But have we thought about the reasons why? What are the benefits or dangers of tracking children, and if you do track, at what point do you stop? Anita Rani is joined by Clare Fernyh...
Reports say that the number of people killed in Iran after 18 days of protests is over 2000. We hear about the women on death row who are facing execution as there are fears of quick reprisals from the regime. Women are taking extraordinary risks to take part in protests as is demonstrated by the death of the fashion student Rubina Aminian, who was shot in the head during the protests, after taking to the streets to demand change and more freedoms. BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Douc...
Miss Marple and Poirot have been household names for decades but now one of Agatha Christie’s lesser-known sleuths – Lady Eileen ‘Bundle’ Brent - is finally getting her time in the spotlight. The fearless young amateur detective is the focus of new Netflix mystery series Seven Dials. Mia McKenna-Bruce is the award-winning actor bringing ‘Bundle’ to the screen, alongside Helena Bonham-Carter and Martin Freeman, and Mia joins presenter Nuala McGovern live in the studio. How do you spot misinformat...
Parents of under-fives in England are to be offered official advice on how long their children should spend watching TV or looking at computer screens. It comes as government research shows about 98% of children under two were watching screens on a daily basis - with parents, teachers and nursery staff saying youngsters were finding it harder to hold conversations or concentrate on learning. To discuss this further Nuala McGovern is joined by Kate Silverton, child counsellor and parenting author...
In our new series Going it Alone we hear from women about their experiences of having a child without a partner. These are women who are having donor conceived children, which is different to single mums who may have split up with the child’s father. Statistics show that more women than ever in the UK are choosing to become solo mums by choice. Lucy tells us her story. Nina Barnsley, Director of the Donor Conception Network and Clare Ettinghausen, a Director at the Human Fertilisation and Embryo...
Anita Rani hosts a diverse panel of women. The program delves into the current women-led protests in Iran, examining their origins, the bravery of female demonstrators, and the movement's broad impact. Director Chloe Zhao discusses her film Hamnet, her creative process, and the importance of community and depicting raw grief. Additionally, Kirsty Brimelow, Chair of the Bar Council, outlines her plans to tackle harassment in the legal profession, while actor Lesley Sharp shares insights into her roles in Red Eye and Pillion.
Woman's Hour covers a range of compelling topics, including a parliamentary petition to reduce the breast cancer screening age to 40 due to rising diagnoses in younger women, and a damning review of vetting failures within the Metropolitan Police. The program also highlights Leicester's vibrant all-female punk rock movement, investigating its impact on the local music scene and women's empowerment. Finally, it delves into a new study examining the link between women's hormonal fluctuations and gambling addiction, alongside an interview with author Alice Bell about her ghost-themed cosy crime novel set in the world of pro-wrestling.
Woman's Hour delves into critical issues, starting with the urgent call to action against Grok AI for generating non-consensual sexualized images, featuring a victim's harrowing account. The conversation then shifts to the alarming decline in girls' sporting dreams despite increased visibility, examining systemic barriers and cultural influences. Finally, the episode shares the poignant stories of solo mothers and their children, alongside a historical look at child custody battles and the ongoing challenges within family courts.
Ten people have been found guilty of cyber-bullying Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, by a Paris court, but that is not the end of the lawsuits. Next up, it's the Macrons against the controversial right-wing podcaster Candace Owens in a US civil court. They've accused her of mounting “a campaign of global humiliation”. Nuala McGovern speaks to Sophie Pedder from The Economist, in Paris, and BBC journalist Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty. Dr Miriam Stoppard has been writin...
Woman's Hour covers three diverse topics: the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the subsequent rise of powerful women like Delcy Rodriguez and Maria Corina Machado in the country's politics. It also delves into the increasing number of women in the UK opting for solo motherhood through donor conception, sharing a personal story and discussing legal and practical implications. Finally, the episode highlights the vital support provided to children of British military families by the charity Little Troopers.
Kylie Pentelow hosts Toni Collette, who shares insights on her new emotional film "Goodbye June," tackling themes of love, loss, and family reconciliation. The episode also highlights the untold stories of Irish nurses in the NHS, their recruitment, and their significant impact. Experts discuss Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), its prevalence beyond elite athletes, and the challenges of diagnosis. Psychotherapists and columnists explore why adults regress to childhood behaviors during family holidays, offering advice for managing complex family dynamics. Finally, Woman's Hour celebrates 75 years of The Archers, taking listeners behind the scenes to explore the iconic female characters and their influential storylines.
Woman's Hour investigates the alarming surge in child sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting causes, consequences, and urgent interventions. The episode also delves into the growing trend of university students choosing to live at home, examining its impact on traditional student life. Additionally, it uncovers the widespread issue of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), offering expert insights and personal stories, alongside advice for nurturing adult friendships amidst busy lives.
This special Woman's Hour episode commemorates 75 years of The Archers, delving into the lives of its iconic female characters. Guests discuss how women in Ambridge navigate patriarchy, class struggles, and evolving professional roles, highlighting the show's commitment to portraying challenging social issues like coercive control and alcoholism. The episode also features a condensed history of Ambridge women, a behind-the-scenes studio tour, and reflections on the show's profound real-world impact and its continuous striving for diversity and representation.
Join Kylie Pentelow for a New Year's Eve special covering diverse topics. Actor Toni Collette shares insights into her emotional new film "Goodbye June" and reflects on her career and life lessons. A distinguished panel, including Dame Katherine Grainger, Helen Lewis, and Natalie Haynes, alongside listener contributions, celebrates "Woman of the Year" across sport, arts, and politics. The episode also revisits strategies for improving financial well-being and delves into the nuanced etiquette of disciplining children who are not your own.
Woman's Hour delves into various societal topics, starting with Beyoncé's journey to billionaire status, highlighting her business acumen and political influence in music. The discussion then shifts to the common phenomenon of adults regressing to childhood behaviors during Christmas family gatherings, offering psychological insights and coping strategies. Finally, the episode introduces ImageAngel, a tool developed by a dominatrix to combat non-consensual image sharing, and examines a university program designed to re-engage teenage girls in politics and boost their confidence.
Woman's Hour dives into the controversial Sabalenka vs. Kyrgios 'Battle of the Sexes' tennis match, examining its relevance and impact on women's sport. It also highlights the vital yet often unrecognised role of Irish nurses in the NHS since 1948, sharing their experiences and challenges. The episode further explores the increasing number of women taking up sumo wrestling in the UK, discusses strategies for combating burnout and finding work-life balance, and investigates the potential benefits and gender biases of using AI in treating age-related diseases.
Woman's Hour presents highlights on Christmas rituals, examining their psychological importance, nostalgia, and the role of women in maintaining them. The program also celebrates Jane Austen's 250th birthday, discussing her enduring global captivation and the relatability of her themes in various societies. Finally, it explores women's multifaceted experiences with darkness, featuring insights from a blind broadcaster and a theatre critic on fear, liberation, and finding tranquility.
Woman's Hour delves into how women experience and interact with darkness today and throughout history. Guests, including a blind broadcaster, a theatre critic, a space scientist, an archaeologist, and a DJ, share personal insights into working, living, and finding inspiration or fear in the dark. The discussion covers personal challenges like sleep disorders and safety concerns, as well as the unique beauty and liberation found in various nighttime experiences and communal spaces.
Nuala McGovern and Anita Rani delve into the rich tapestry of Christmas traditions, from ancient folklore origins like greenery to Victorian-era influences and modern adaptations like "Friendsmas." Experts discuss the psychological comfort rituals provide, the significant role women play in maintaining them, and how new customs emerge from social media or diverse family backgrounds. The episode also highlights unique global celebrations and concludes with a live musical performance reflecting on the holiday's emotional depth.
Woman's Hour covers the reactions to the latest Jeffrey Epstein document release, focusing on a survivor's perspective and the fight for truth amidst redactions. It also celebrates South Asian female DJs challenging a male-dominated industry and a women's plane spotting club promoting community and the "art of noticing." Additionally, the episode offers spiritual guidance for finding calm during the festive season and features actress Janie Dee discussing and performing from Noel Coward's provocative play, "Fallen Angels."
The episode features an investigation into the shocking rise of attacks on women and babies in conflict zones, highlighting reproductive violence. It also delves into Iran's Woman, Life, Freedom protests through a new book, revealing a deep history of women's activism and ongoing defiance. Additionally, the show celebrates the extraordinary role of women in jazz at London's iconic Ronnie Scott's and offers practical advice on ensuring older family members feel cherished and included during festive gatherings.
Woman's Hour delves into the multifaceted pressures women face, from the stress of Christmas hosting with tips from Philippa Perry and Matilda B, to the recent, somewhat underwhelming, release of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse documents and victims' calls for accountability. The program also highlights the critical issue of FGM, discussing the impact of government funding cuts on both UK services and international prevention efforts, alongside a segment on the escalating abuse faced by women in retail during the busy holiday period. Finally, it shines a light on historical women explorers.
Woman's Hour delves into the UK government's new strategy to combat violence against women and girls, including measures to educate boys on misogyny and reform the justice system. The episode also features an interview with actor Kate Hudson, discussing her latest film, her journey of finding confidence in singing, and the importance of support systems. Additionally, discussions cover Jane Austen's enduring legacy, the surprising trend of young women's confidence in DIY, and the exciting world of all-female tribute bands rewriting musical rules.
This episode features Hollywood actor Kate Hudson discussing her new film, "Song Sung Blue," reflecting on personal empowerment, and sharing her family's Christmas traditions. It also provides an update on the Undercover Policing Inquiry, highlighting the systematic abuses and the profound trauma inflicted on women who were deceived into relationships with undercover officers. A powerful segment introduces Sophie Blake, a single mother living with stage 4 cancer, and her teenage daughter Maya, as they candidly share their experiences of parenting through incurable illness and finding joy in shared moments. Finally, the podcast explores the political radicalization of young women towards the left, examining the underlying reasons, the role of social media, and the broader implications for the UK's political landscape.
Woman's Hour examines the UK government's strategy addressing violence against women and girls, including measures to educate boys on misogyny, tackle online harm, and reform the justice system. The episode also features an in-depth discussion on GLP-1 weight loss injections, covering their mechanisms, personal experiences, and the challenges of long-term use. Additionally, interviews with author Jenny Colgan about her latest Christmas novel and musical star Amara Okereke on her career and roles provide lighter segments.
